"There are lingering fears that Dr. Abdullahs supporters perceive themselves as disenfranchised and could withdraw their cooperation with US and other forces in Afghanistan or even engage in ethnic conflict against Pashtuns, causing the US effort in Afghanistan to unravel."

The Congressional Research Service (CRS), an independent bipartisan research wing of the American legislature, says: "These concerns are prevalent as US strategy is being reevaluated by President Obama and his advisors during September-November 2009, based on a battlefield assessment by top commander in Afghanistan Gen. Stanley McChrystal that argues for additional US resources."

According to the report, the legitimacy of the Afghan partner of the United States has been a factor in the administration's consideration of the McChrystal report that recommends pursuing a classic counterinsurgency strategy which, first and foremost, seeks to protect the Afghan population.

The 28-page report, a copy of which has been obtained by Pajhwok Afghan News, adds: "If there is no legitimate Afghan partner available, then some might argue that McChrystal's recommended strategy might not succeed because US forces are not able to reform the Afghan government."

A major US administration concern and one which has been realised to some extent was that the election would not produce a fully legitimate government. "The day after the first round of the election, President Obama called the election an important step forward in the Afghan people's effort to take control of their future, even as violent extremists stand in their way."

Some believe the statement, coming before the fraud allegations that were revealed in subsequent days, might have been too optimistic. US officials expressed neutrality vis--vis the election; Ambassador Timothy Carney was appointed to head the American election support effort at the US Embassy Kabul, tasked to ensure the United States was even-handed.

lkj/mud